“COOKING APPARATUS”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to cooking apparatus. More particularly, the invention relates to a cooking and/or warming receptacle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Cooking is the art of preparing and processing food to make it more delicious, good-looking and smell better. Good food is featured with attractive colour, smell, taste, and shape, not only making people feel more contented when enjoying the food, but also allowing the nutrition of the food to be more easily absorbed by human body.

[0003] In addition to food materials, cooking utensils are indispensable for cooking. Good cooking utensils have great effects on the colour, smell, and taste of food. Cooking pans are commonly-used cooking utensils, including saute pans and frying pans, and the like. Different types of cooking pans can be used for different functions, with each varying in shape, diameter and depth. Users select the appropriate cooking pans to adapt to their specific needs.

[0004] For example, a frying pan is used to fry a variety of food, such as eggs, fish and beefsteak. When different food items are cooked together in a single pan, the user must monitor the cooking of each item to ensure that each is cooked for the required time. Preparing a meal comprising many items can require significant skill in timing, to ensure that all food items are ready at once.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The object of the present invention is to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of existing arrangement and/or provide a workable alternative. [0006] In one aspect, the present invention seeks to provide a cooking apparatus for warming food at least partially using heated fluid from a cooking receptacle having a receptacle base and at least one wall, the apparatus

comprising:

an open compartment for supporting the food; and,

at least one fastener configured to detachably suspend the apparatus from part of the at least one wall, in use, to thereby allow at least some of the heated fluid to leave the cooking receptacle and warm the food.

[0007] In one embodiment, the fastener includes opposing surfaces

configured to receive at least part of the wall of the cooking receptacle therebetween.

[0008] In one embodiment, the opposing surfaces conform to at least part of the wall of the cooking receptacle.

[0009] In one embodiment, one of the opposing surfaces includes at least part of an outer surface of the open compartment.

[0010] In one embodiment, the fastener includes a flange extending outwardly and downwardly from the open compartment, at least part of an inner surface of the flange and at least part of an outer surface of the open compartment forming the opposing sufaces of the fastener.

[0011] In one embodiment, a cross-section of the fastener is any one of substantially“U” shaped, and substantially“V” shaped.

[0012] In one embodiment, the flange includes a reinforcing rib.

[0013] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a spout in fluid

communication with the open compartment.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fastener is substantially arcuate.

[0015] In one embodiment, the arcuate fastener substantially conforms to an arc defined by at least part of the wall of the cooking receptacle.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fastener at least partially conforms to the wall of the cooking receptacle. [0017] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first and a second fasteners, wherein in use in a first configuration the first fastener suspends the apparatus over the receptacle base of the cooking receptacle, and in use in a second configuration the second fastener is suspends the apparatus adjacent the cooking receptacle.

[0018] In one embodiment, in use the first and second fasteners are provided on opposing sides of the apparatus.

[0019] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a base and four sides extending therefrom, the base and four sides forming the open compartment.

[0020] In one embodiment, the base of the apparatus is substantially arcuate.

[0021] In one embodiment, the apparatus is substantially composed of a heat- transmitting material.

[0022] In one embodiment, the heat-transmitting material is a metal.

[0023] In one embodiment, the base of the apparatus has a surface area less than 25%, 20%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11 %, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, or 5% of the surface area of the receptacle base of the cooking receptacle.

[0024] In one embodiment, a depth of the apparatus is between about 10 mm and about 50 mm.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cooking receptacle includes any one of a saucepan, a frying pan, a pot, and a baking tray.

[0026] In a second broad form, the present invention seeks to provide a cooking device for cooking and warming different foods, the device comprising: a cooking receptacle for cooking food at least partially using heated fluid, the cooking receptacle including a receptacle base and at least one wall; and a removable apparatus for warming food comprising an open compartment for supporting the food; and at least one fastener configured to detachably suspend the apparatus from part of the at least one wall, to thereby allow at least some of the heated fluid to leave the cooking receptacle and warm the food. [0027] An advantage of the cooking apparatus being removable from the cooking receptacle is that it allows for the food warmed in the tray to be served at a table without having to transfer the food into another receptacle for serving.

Furthermore, because the tray itself is warmed during the heating/cooking process, it continues to provide warmth to the food for a significant time after the tray is removed from the heat source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accoumpanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 A shows a plan view of a first example of a cooking apparatus for use in heating or warming food.

[0030] Figure 1 B shows a plan view of the cooking apparatus of Figure 1 A.

[0031] Figure 1C shows a side view of the cooking apparatus of Figure 1A.

[0032] Figure 2A shows a plan view of the cooking apparatus of Figure 1 A in use in a first configuration.

[0033] Figure 2B shows a perspective view of the cooking apparatus of Figure 1A in use in a first configuration.

[0034] Figure 3A shows a plan view of the cooking apparatus of Figure 1 A in use in a second configuration.

[0035] Figure 3B shows a perspective view of the cooking apparatus of Figure 1A in use in a second configuration.

[0036] Figure 4A shows an end view of the cooking apparatus of Figure 1A.

[0037] Figure 4B shows a side view of a second example of a cooking apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] An example of a cooking apparatus for warming food at least partially using heated fluid from a cooking receptacle having a receptacle base and at least one wall will now be described with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0039] The cooking apparatus 100 includes an open compartment for supporting the food 110. In this example, the apparatus 100 includes a base 105 and four sides 101 , 102, 103, 104 extending therefrom, such that the base 105 and four sides 101 , 102, 103, 104 form the open compartment 110. However, in other example, the open compartment 110 may be formed in any suitable manner or shape, for example, using a circular base and a single side, or the like.

[0040] The cooking apparatus 100 further includes two fasteners 111 , 112 configured in use to detachably suspend the apparatus 100 from part of the wall W of the cooking receptacle C to allow at least some of the heated fluid to leave the cooking receptacle and warm the food. While in this example the apparatus 100 includes two fasteners 111 , 112, in other examples the apparatus 100 may include any suitable number of fasteners, including one or more fasteners.

[0041] As will be appreciated, the cooking receptacle C may include any suitable receptacle for heating, warming or cooking food, such as a frying pan, tray, baking tin, casserole or cooking pot, or the like. Accordingly, the heated fluid is typically steam or heated air emanating from the cooking receptacle, however in other examples, the heated fluid may at least partially include heated liquids, such as water, or the like.

[0042] Beneficially, the cooking apparatus 100 allows at least some of the heated fluid to leave the inside of the cooking receptacle C. Thus, the cooking apparatus 100 is not configured in a manner similar to a lid or double boiler which covers the opening of the receptacle C. In this example, this is achieved by the base 105 or footprint of the cooking apparatus 100 being smaller than the opening in the cooking receptacle C, however this may be achieved in any suitable manner.

Advantageously, this ensures a gentle heat is applied to the cooking receptacle C. Additionally, it provides a user access to the inside of the cooking receptacle C, for example, to allow stirring, visual checking, or the like, without the need to remove and replace the apparatus 100.

[0043] Additionally, reference to“food” is not intended to be limiting and could include any comestible product. In some other examples, the cooking receptacle may be used to warm any item(s) (comestible or not), for example, warming water or other fluid for use in a bain marie.

[0044] Thus, the abovementioned cooking apparatus 100 provides a particularly beneficial as it allows additional food or sauce to be warmed or cooked utilizing heat from an existing cooking receptacle C, thus saving space on a stovetop, hob, oven or the like. Additionally, the food in the cooking apparatus C is separate from any food in the cooking receptacle, allowing distinct foods to be warmed or cooked simultaneously. Moreover, in some examples, the food in the cooking apparatus 100 may require a lower temperature or more gentle warming than the food in the receptacle C, and this is achieved by suspending the apparatus above the base of the receptacle so the food in the apparatus is not in direct contact with any heat source, for example, below the receptacle base, B.

[0045] Additional advantages are outlined above, in that the cooking apparatus 100 may be removed and served directly at a table without the need for transferring to another serving dish. Furthermore, when any heat source is removed from the cooking receptacle C, the cooking apparatus 100 can continue to be warmed via residual heat from the receptacle C as a result of its suspension above the receptacle base B.

[0046] A number of further features will now be described.

[0047] In one example, the fastener 111 , 112 includes opposing surfaces 111.1 , 111.2, 112.1 , 112.2 configured to receive at least part of the wall Wof the cooking receptacle C therebetween. In this regard, the fastener 111 , 112 may secure the apparatus 100 to the cooking receptacle C via an interference or friction fit between the wall Wand the opposing surfaces. This can be beneficial in the event the cooking receptacle C is moved or repositioned rapidly or frequently during cooking, as a secure fit will ensure the cooking apparatus 100 remains secured to the receptacle C. However, this is not essential and in other examples the fastener may be secured via a snap lock fit or any other appropriate means.

[0048] In some examples, the fastener is configured to merely suspend the apparatus 100 from the cooking receptacle C without necessarily being tightly secured. For example, a distance between the opposing surface 111.1 , 111.2,

112.1 , 112.2 may be larger than a width of the wall Wof the cooking receptacle C. This may be advantageous when the apparatus 100 contains liquids as by loosely suspending the apparatus 100, it may be more easily removed and replaced on the receptacle C with less risk of spillage.

[0049] In a further example, the opposing surfaces 111.1 , 111.2, 112.1 , 112.2 conform to at least part of the wall W of the cooking receptacle C. Beneficially, this can provide a more streamlined fit of the apparatus 100 to the cooking receptacle C. This is not only aesthetically pleasing, but can ensure the footprint of the cooking receptacle C with apparatus 100 attached is not significantly altered, saving space on a cooktop. In other examples, by at least partially conforming to the wall W, the opposing surfaces 111.1 , 111.2, 112.1 , 112.2 can align with more of the surface of the wall W, providing a more secure fit between the apparatus 100 and cooking receptacle C.

[0050] In one example, one of the opposing surfaces 111.2, 112.2 includes at least part of an outer surface of the open compartment 110. This is shown in Figure 2B, where part of an outer surface of the side 103, 101 of the open compartment 110 forms one of the opposing surfaces 112.2, 111.2 of the fastener 112, 111. This can be beneficial in reducing the materials required for manufacture of the device, by reducing the need for an additional fastener separate from the open compartment 110. Additionally, the result of this configuration can be to locate the open compartment 110 closer to the cooking receptacle C, thus providing additional stability to the apparatus 100 during cooking.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, the fastener 111 , 112 includes a flange 111.3, 112.3 extending outwardly and downwardly from the open compartment 110, where at least part of an inner surface of the flange and at least part of an outer surface of the open compartment form the opposing surfaces 111.1 , 111.2, 112.1 , 112.2 of the fastener. Outwardly and downwardly can include any suitable direction so as to function to suspend the cooking apparatus from the wall W of the cooking receptacle. Accordingly, these terms should not be narrowly interpreted and may include, for example, the flange 111.3, 112.3 extending laterally outward then downward, or simlutansouly outward and downward, or the like. In one example, the fastener may include a movable portion which moves a flange 111.3, 112.3 laterally from a downward position, in order to receive the wall Wof the receptacle, for example similar to the movement of a clothing peg.

[0052] In particular, in this example the a cross-section of the fastener 111.3,

112.3 is substantially“U” shaped, as shown in Figure 1 , however this is not essential and in other examples the fastener may be any suitable cross-sectional shape such as to receive the wall 355 of the receptacle therebetween, for example, substantially “V” shaped, or the like.

[0053] The apparatus in the examples of Figures 1 to 3 shows the flange 111.3, 112.3 including a reinforcing rib 111.4, 112.4. In this example, the reinforcing rib traverses along an outer surface of the fastener. The rib 111.4, 112.4 is particular beneficial as it provides additional thickness and reinforcing and/or strength to the fastener 111 , 112, thus facilitating a more secure attachmentwith the cooking receptacle C. This reduces the chance of the apparatus 100 breaking or falling from the fastener 111 , 112 and spoiling the food being kept warm in the tray. However, this is not essential.

[0054] In one example, the cooking apparatus 100 includs a spout 106 in fluid communication with the open compartment. The spout 106 can be used for ease of pouring or guiding the contents of the cooking apparatus 100 into other receptacles, for example, serving sauce from the cooking apparatus directly onto a dinner plate. Suitably, the spout 106 is at least partially located within a wall 104 of the apparatus 100, for example, the spout 106 may be moulded into the wall 104. Although in this example the spout is shown in wall 104, it is equally suitable for the spout 106 to be at least partially located in any other wall of the apparatus 100.

[0055] In one example, the fastener 111 , 112 is substantially arcuate. This may be advantageous, for example, in situations where the cooking apparatus is for use with circular cooking receptacles, or cooking receptacles where the rim or wall is substantially circular, or has an at least arcuate portion. It will be appreciated that cooking receptacles such as frying pans, casserole pots, or the like, are typically circular, hence it may be beneficial that the fastener is substantially arcuate to conform to the circular walls of the receptacle. For example, the arcuate fastener 111 , 112 may substantially conform to an arc defined by at least part of the wall of the cooking receptacle.

[0056] In a further example, a radii of the arcuate fastener 111 , 112 conforms to a standard radius of a cooking receptacle, such as a frying pan, casserole pot, crockpot, or the like. Thus, the cooking apparatus 100 may include a fastener 111 , 112 suitable for use with a standard size frying pan, for example, such as

substantialy 24-26 cm, 26-28 cm, and 30-32 cm, or the like.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, the cooking receptacle may be any appropriate shape. Accordingly, in these examples, the fastener 111 , 112 may at least partially conform to the wall of the cooking receptacle. For example, if the cooking receptacle C is a square or rectangular griddle pan or skillet, the fastener may be substantially linear in order to conform to a straight side of the griddle pan.

[0058] In the examples shown, the cooking apparatus 100 includes a first fastener 111 and a second fastener 112. In use, in a first configuration shown in Figure 3, the first fastener 111 suspends the apparatus 100 over the receptacle base B of the cooking receptacle C. In use, in a second configuration shown in Figure 2, the second fastener 112 suspends the apparatus 100 adjacent the cooking

receptacle C.

[0059] By providing two fasteners 111 , 112, the cooking apparatus 100 provides a higher degree of flexibility to allow a user to customize each cooking experience based upon their needs at the time.

[0060] For example, the first and second configurations can allow the temperature in the cooking apparatus to be at least partially controlled. For example, by positioning the apparatus in the first configuration (Figure 3) the cooking apparatus 200 can warm food therein at a higher temperature than if the apparatus is placed in the second configuration (Figure 2) where the apparatus 100 is not directly over any heating source below the receptacle base B. This typically arises in sitaions where the heating source is a stove top, cook top, hop or the like. For example, in the second configuration (Figure 2), the base 105 of the apparatus 100 may not be exposed to direct heat, and as such, the warming potential of the apparatus is substantially supplied through, for example, convection heating. This configuration is particularly suitable for maintaining the temperature of food items that have already been heated. Alternatively, the first configuration (Figure 3) may be particularly suitable for raising the temperature of the contents of apparatus 100, as the tray base 105 is placed directly above the bottom of the frying pan/receptacle C, which is in direct contact with the heat source when in use. In other words, the tray is located in proximity to the heat source used for heating the frying pan.

[0061] In other examples, the cooking receptacle C may be placed in an oven.

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, in some situations there may be more limited space for cooking than in others. Thus the ability to use the cooking apparatus 100 in more than one configuration allows a user to change the footprint occupied while cooking. In this regard, a stove top may have limited space at one time, such that a user would prefer to use the first configuration (Figure 3) in order to ensure additional space was not occupied by the cooking footprint of the receptacle including the apparatus 100.

[0063] In some instance, it may be desirable to have regular or specific access to the contents of the cooking receptacle C. For example, if cooking a risotto or the like, a user may need to constantly stir the contents of the cooking receptacle, and therefore the second configuration (Figure 2) is more desirable.

[0064] While two fasteners 111, 112 are shown in this example, in other examples any suitable number of fasteners 111 , 112 which allow for appropriate flexibility of use may be included, for example, one, three or more fasteners.

[0065] In the example of Figures 2 and 3, the two arcuate fasteners 111 , 112 are shaped to have substantially similar radii. This is advantageous for having the flexibility to position the apparatus 100 according to the first and second configuration for the same cooking receptacle C. That is, both of the fasteners 111 , 112 conform to at least part of the wall of the same shaped receptacle.

[0066] However, in other examples, a cooking apparatus 100 may include multiples fasteners 111 , 112, where at least one of the fasteners 111 , 112 at least partially conforms to a wall of a different cooking receptacle and/or a different shaped wall of the same cooking receptacle. This would provide the flexibility to position use the cooking apparatus 100 with different shaped cooking receptacles and/or on different shaped walls of the same cooking receptacle.

[0067] In this regard, a cooking apparatus 100 may include, for example, a linear fastener and an arcuate fastener, where the cooking apparatus 100 may therefore be used with both a circular and a square/rectangular cooking receptacle.

[0068] In any event, the apparatus 100 in the examples of Figures 2 and 3 includes the first and second fasteners 111 , 112 on opposing sides of the apparatus 100. Additionally, a base 105 of the apparatus 100 is substantially arcuate.

Beneficially, this provides an aesthetically pleasing shape and in addition, when used with a circular cooking receptacle, streamlines the cooking footprint.

[0069] In some examples, the fasteners 111 , 112 are integral to the walls on which they are located. Thus, in some examples, the apparatus 100 is composed of a single component. Warming trays or cooking apparatus of this type can be manufactured, for example, by a moulding process (e.g., injection moulding or die- casting). In the preferred example, the cooking apparatus 100 is composed substantially of metal, and the manufactured using die casting or metal punching.

The cooking apparatus of the invention may be made out of any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, cast iron, enameled cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, aluminium, non-stick, glass, ceramic, and/or silicone. In some preferred embodiments, the apparatus is substantially composed of stainless steel.

[0070] A further example will now be described with reference to Figures 4A and 4B.

[0071] The apparatus 100 may include any suitable depth according to the desired application/use of the apparatus 100. A perspective side view of the apparatus 100 of the above examples is shown in Figure 4A, while a perspective side view of a further example of the apparatus 200 is shown in Figure 4B. In this regard, the depth 420 of the apparatus 200 of the second example is greater than the depth 120 of the apparatus 100 of the first example. Typically, the larger the receptacle C, the greater the depth of the apparatus 100, 200. As illustrated in Figure 4, depth 120 and 220 show two different depths corresponding to respective apparatus 100, 200. In some embodiments, the depth of the apparatus 100, 200 is between 10 mm and 5 mm. In more preferred embodiments the depth of the apparatus 100, 200 is between 15 mm and 3 mm.

[0072] The apparatus 100, 200 may be used for warming any suitable food item, such as a sauce or side dish (e.g. vegetables) to be served with a meal. These types of food items are regularly served separately at the table during a main meal, and often require transferring the food into a suitable serving receptacle. Therefore, one advantage of the apparatus 100, 200 of the invention is the ease of removing the apparatus 100, 200 for use as a serving receptacle.

[0073] The term“warming” refers typically to both the process of raising the temperature of the contents of the apparatus, as well as maintaining the warmth of the contents of the apparatus which has already been heated by another cooking or heating method.

[0074] As described above, the food in the apparatus is warmed at least partially using heated fluide from the cooking receptacle. Typically, the heat source heating the typically heating the cooking receptacle is from a gas cooker or electric cooker. For example, in some preferred embodiments the heat source is a stovetop. However, other heat sources are also considered, including an oven, barbeque, and/or microwave.

[0075] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context request otherwise, the word“comprise”, and variations such as“comprises” and“comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers of steps but not to the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers. [0076] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.

[0077] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated that features from different examples above may be used interchangeably where appropriate.